*Albus Dumbledore pov*
I stood from my bed letting a deep sigh escape my lips, once more I woke up remembering my failures.
Lumbering to my wardrobe I donned an earthy green robe. Popping a piece of muggle candy I savored the sour taste as I prepared for today's outing.
A meeting with the board and then a meeting with Minerva. Two things I could go without today poor Minerva is losing her mind with unneeded stress.
I looked over and chuckled at Fawkes's sleeping form curled around his post. I couldn't blame him for not waking at this hour. It is quite painful, a cup of tea waited for me on my desk at perfectly room temperature, "Thank you." I said to the empty room as I knew the elves would understand the sentiment
Taking my cup I walked out of my office and made my way down to the yard. Taking a deep breath of the fresh air I smiled contently before heading toward the forbidden forest.
I didn't like waking up so early but the Centaurs do sadly.
I sipped my cup of tea as I walked it was odd hearing the silence. Usually, the sound of children roaming around, arguing, laughing, and getting into all kinds of mischief would be heard by all.
Be careful to be silent while passing Hagrid's hut I entered the forest. My steps were slow as I enjoyed my tea knowing I was already being watched.
I didn't mind in the slightest as I headed deeper swerving through the trees to head toward the centaur's territory.
As I stepped into their domain I could hear the hoofbeats off into the distance, "Magorian." I spoke neutrally giving him a small now
"Albus Dumbledore." he replied bowing at the waist, "What brings you to my side of the forest."
I smiled thinly, "Not pleasure I assure you no, I wanted to talk to you about our mutual friend." he frowned, "As I said before I cannot speak of that man."
I shook my head, "Not to worry, I will speak and you chime in when necessary."
He frowned but then turned to gaze at the still-hanging moon, "Very well." something in his tone told me he was excited about this conversation now
"It was last year I hired a new professor, I thought he was interesting because of his family name not realizing how much he would change my life," I spoke softly as if I was telling a story
Magorian smiled, "Yes I was a wee little lad when I had the same realization but, I think my father had his when he was younger than I."
I frowned, how is it possible Morpheus is that old? Nicolas would hardly speak of his family is the philosopher's stone involved?
"It's odd I don't find myself understanding his motives. He seems to think much about this war, also he believes a worse one is coming. One that I have seen no signs of." I commented thoughtfully
"Ah yes, war. My father was in war but not with humans with something else." his eyes windened as his words caught in his mouth and he swirled and gazed at the sky, "We should end this here, today expect a gift." he didn't wait for me to speak and dashed off
***
Sitting inside of the great hall I sipped a freshly brewed cup of tea as I slowly ate breakfast. My students ate but not as loudly as before.
Its odd how the little things impact you the most. It hurt seeing my students like this, terrified of the outside world wracked with worry.
Poor Amelia looked catatonic she might attack someone if a letter doesn't arrive soon.
Just as I was about to leave and tidy up the books before the meeting I had with the board I heard a flurry of flap followed by the appearance of several owls.
They dropped mail off to their owners while scoping a piece to eat for themselves. A smiled settled over my face as I watched the students brighten up while unpackaging their gifts or reading their letters.
I made sure to commit this scene to my memory before standing. Right as I took my first step I heard another rustle of feathers this time closer to my person.
Turning I came face to face with an owl I had never seen before. It carried two books tied together with a piece of string held in its beak.
"Thank you," I murmured before untying the package and looking at the titles of which there was none
A note was on the top book that simply read, "My gift to you Albus. Hopefully, you find the answers to what you seek."
*Morpheus pov*
The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and faint decay as I stepped out of Everglade Manor. The tall iron gates groaned open with a kind of solemnity that showed how little they have been used. I adjusted the collar of my cloak, its rich soft fabric brushing against my neck. A ministry summons for a trial.
How quick. He must have been moving things fast behind the scenes.
The familiar tug of Apparition followed—a brief, twist of space and time—and I landed in the shadow of the Ministry's towering atrium. The golden fountain loomed ahead, its charmed water cascading over the sculpted figures of wizards and magical creatures. Its grandeur seemed almost mocking amidst the tension thick in the air. People bustled about, their footsteps echoing sharply off the polished floor. I nodded curtly at a few acquaintances as I passed, namely Shafiq and Arcturus who both seemed to be heading the same direction as I.
The lift doors slid open with a metallic hiss, and I stepped inside. The cramped compartment filled quickly, forcing me to share space with a pair of Hit Wizards, their stern expressions betraying no hint of their thoughts. The faint hum of enchanted gears filled the silence, interrupted only by the lift's dispassionate voice announcing each floor.
When we finally reached the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, I stepped out and made my way to the courtroom. The corridor leading to it was lined with portraits of former ministers, their painted eyes following me as though measuring my worth.
How childish.
The chamber was vast, circular, and brimming with people. The walls climbed high, lined with rows of seats occupied by witches and wizards, their faces expectant, curious, and grim. A dull murmur filled the air, like the sea before a storm. The Wizengamot sat elevated on their dais, their plum robes stark against the dark wood. At the center of it all was the chained chair, its enchantments glinting faintly under the torchlight.
I stepped forward, my boots clicking against the stone floor, echoing louder than I anticipated. The murmurs subsided, replaced by a pregnant silence. My entrance was not unexpected, but it demanded acknowledgment nonetheless. Many had no idea what my agenda was but knew I meant to shift things about.
My debut was proof of that.
I allowed my gaze to sweep across the room, pausing briefly on the defendant. Their expression was unreadable, but their eyes were cocky.
With a subtle flourish of my cloak, I took my seat. The trial was about to begin, and all eyes turned to the presiding chair.
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A/N: Merry Christmas! I am beyond thankful for those still reading and bring good news. As of the chapter I just wrote, in exactly 15 chapters from this one Everything will start and we will see if I can truly write a war